Shannon Springs Park - Chickasha, OK
Posted by: 
hamquilter
N 35° 01.396 W 097° 56.770
14S E 596138 N 3876130
Shannon Springs Park has been a focal point for leisure and recreation in Grady County for generations.
Waymark Code: WMKYXR
Location: Oklahoma, United States
Date Posted: 06/17/2014
Views: 4
Recreation is provided by the city's Shannon Springs Park, the municipal swimming pool, a softball diamond, tennis courts, picnic and croquet grounds, and public and private golf courses.
SHANNON SPRINGS PARK (boating and fishing), also in the southwestern section of the city, is a popular recreational center with a winding road where rushes and lilies grow in profusion. In the park, too, is the city's museum of pioneer relics, housed in the old Territorial Jailhouse. Chickasha is at the junction of U.S. 81. (Pg. 267, Oklahoma: A Guide to the Sooner State, 1941)
In the late 1800s, the Shannon Springs artesian well was used as a watering hole on the Chisholm Trail, bringing cattle from Texas to the railheads up north. This park was established at the site of these springs, at least during the first years of the 1900s, and perhaps before that.
This is a 43-acre park with a very large lake, in which fishing is allowed. Evidence of the work of the WPA is seen everywhere. Low walls and drainage ditches made of native sandstone border the curving driveways. Occasional stone pillars bear the WPA engraving. Work was done between 1936 and 1939.
At the southwest end of the lake, a lovely stone bridge spans the water, which is still used today. A native sandstone caretaker's cottage, a bathhouse and a park warehouse, as well as a large amphitheater, are still in use today.
The Territorial Jailhouse mentioned in the AGS listing has been moved and is currfently standing, vacant, just south of the railroad depot. (Photo in Gallery).
The layout, ground work, and stone structures provide an idyllic setting for rest and recreation, and well worth your visit. From Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve, the city sponsors a large holiday light display in the park. Visitors can drive slowly through the park, or get out and walk the drives, enjoying a huge display of lights.